Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) Temple Kyoto

The Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) Temple in Kyoto is named so because the founder intended to cover the main structure of the temple in Silver but it could not be implemented as decided upon. The founder of the temple actually wanted to construct this temple on the footprints of Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion Temple).

The history of the temple goes way back to 1435, when Shogun - a hereditary military dictator of Japan – Yoshimasa Ashikaga (1435-90) commissioned a villa for his retirement. Till 1474, Ashikaga, couldn’t give proper attention towards the construction and never got time to coat the pavilion with Silver.

Upon Ashikaga's death in 1490, the villa was converted into a Buddhist temple. Later, with the decline of the Ashikaga family, Ginkaku-ji also fell into decline. Many of the buildings were damaged and the only original building that remains till date is the Togu-do and the Silver Pavilion itself.

The appeal of the simple Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) Temple- a two-story building- lies in its serene exterior and unique architecture. Inside the temple lies the gilt image of Kannon the goddess of mercy, which is not normally open to public view. The temple also protects the idol of Jizo, the guardian god of children.

The temple compound is surrounded by lovely Japanese gardens including a pond garden with many rocks, plants etc. The Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) Temple, Kyoto is exactly located at NE Kyoto. The temple is easily reachable from Kyoto city center in bus.

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